Exam 2: Society and Culture

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Folkways and mores are both types of social norms that guide and influence behavior within a society, but they differ in terms of their significance, the strength of societal reaction to their violation, and their moral grounding.

Folkways are the everyday norms based on custom, tradition, or etiquette that govern social behavior. They are the informal rules and standards that prescribe how individuals should behave in a polite or socially acceptable manner. Folkways are not strictly enforced and do not have a moral basis; rather, they are conventions that ensure smooth social interactions. Examples of folkways include dressing appropriately for different occasions, using polite language, table manners, and queuing in line. Violating a folkway might result in mild social sanctions such as being frowned upon, receiving disapproving looks, or being gently corrected, but it typically does not lead to severe punishment or social ostracism.

Mores, on the other hand, are more serious social norms that are seen as vital to the welfare and survival of the group or society. They are deeply held beliefs about what is right and wrong, and they often have a moral or ethical basis. Mores dictate behavior in significant social issues, including matters of sexuality, religion, and social duties. Violating mores can lead to strong disapproval and more severe consequences, such as legal penalties, social exclusion, or even ostracism. Examples of mores include taboos against incest, theft, or murder. Because mores are considered essential to core values and the social fabric, they are more rigidly enforced than folkways.

In summary, while both folkways and mores are social norms that guide behavior, folkways are less serious and relate to everyday customs and etiquette without a moral underpinning, whereas mores are deeply ingrained, morally significant norms that are crucial to the functioning and cohesion of a society.